My songs with AR Rahman will keep me alive even after my death: Zulfiqer Russell

A familiar name in the music arena of Bangladesh, Zulfiqer Russell has earned repute and created a niche for himself by writing wonderful songs and poems. In recognition of his works, he has received many accolades, including Bangladesh’s National Film Award. This time, he has made headlines for working with AR Rahman. Zulfiqer Russell considers the experience of working with legendary AR Rahman as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. In a recent interview with The Business Post’s Nazir Hossain, he shared the experience. The followings are the excerpts from the conversation: 

The Business Post: Tell us about your experience of working with AR Rahman?

Zulfiqer Russell: Working with a living legend like him was a great honour for me. Despite being a world-class music composer, he is a very humble person. He was very cordial and cooperative in every step while creating the songs. 

TBP: When the song was played at the golden jubilee celebration of Bangladesh’s independence, how was your feeling?  

Zulfiqer Russell: It was an ineffable feeling. The song was mastered on the day of the event. So, playing the song at that very event came as a surprise for me. Moreover, the theme song for the golden jubilee celebration of Bangladesh’s independence was also played at the same event. Two songs written by me were played on the same day, it just doubled my joy. 

TBP: How were you approached for the songs? 

Zulfiqer Russell: I received a call from Bangladesh Cricket Board for a meeting regarding writing songs. The next day I visited them and first, they discussed about the song in Bangla. Then, they expressed their desire to do a song in Hindi also. I was curious to know about who will do the song. When they replied it was AR Rahman, I was really astonished. I couldn’t believe my ears. Then, I was introduced to the agent of AR Rahman. Later on, I met AR Rahman several times in Mumbai and Chennai to work directly with him on the songs. Even he held multiple online sessions with me to make the songs perfect. I was fascinated to see his passion for correct pronunciation of the lyrics of the Bangla song we were working on. The way he sang the song with perfect pronunciation, no one will understand that he is not a Bengali. I believe that my songs with AR Rahman will keep me alive even after my death.

TBP: Everyone knows that AR Rahman is a very gentle and humble person. How did you find him as a person while working with the legend so closely?

Zulfiqer Russell: The word ‘extraordinary’ will not be enough to describe his humility. After my first meeting with him in a suite room of a Mumbai hotel, I told him that my wife also came with me. He told me why did I keep her outside and asked me to bring her inside. When requested to take a selfie with us, he said let’s go outside as there was not enough light inside the room. We came outside the room and took the selfie in front of many people at the hotel. Even, his wife sent gifts for my wife, and AR Rahman himself handed over the gift.